The mackerel has also this year indicated a striking intelligence.

It is well known that, in London, mackerel in the market, and snow on the ground, were contemporaneous not many weeks since ; but this fish was taken in immense quantities, together with the pilchard, in Mounts Bay, Cornwall, so early as December, 1832 ; and it will be long ere the extra- ordinary scene exhibited by the activity of the fishing-boats during the short days of "dark December," will be obli- terated from the memory of the inhabitants, the oldest of whom recollect nothing like it.

Whether the mackerel do or do not remain during the winter near our shores, as some assert, this unusual fact is equally observable ; for it proves, that there was a something indicated by the temperature of the sea and air, which induced the fish to awake " de bonne heure" from their muddy bed, and rise to the surface.

I lay particular stress on marine indications, because they are less likely to be mistaken ; and, in agreement with the ideas which arise from the consideration of them, I was told at Boulogne, that the red mullet had appeared no more after the bitter change which took place in the weather about the equinox.

There are other facts to be adduced, still more important.